For the second straight year, “increasing the availability of whole grains” was the top response given by school nutrition directors when they were asked about changes they were making in school meal programs. According to the School Nutrition Association’s 2008 Back to School Nutrition Trends Report, 85.2% of schools cited whole grains.

In fact, interest in whole grains has stayed at a consistently high level since last year, when whole grains were also the top school effort, at 85.1%. We’re heartened by this survey, which shows schools are doing the right thing for kids, despite price pressures on schools to go with less-expensive refined grains.

Guess I shouldn’t be surprised. At the School Nutrition Association’s annual convention in July, both of the whole grain seminars we offered were standing room only, as schools try to learn as much as possible about the best ways to serve whole grains to kids. We’re hearing some great success stories from schools, including these that came in just this week:

“We eliminated 98% of our white bread approximately two years ago. Kids like the whole wheat and we have not had a single complaint from parents, teachers, or students.” Mundelein, IL

“We have made a real commitment to providing whole grain products to our students at both breakfast and lunch. In cases where whole grains are not used it is because we can’t find a commercial product. This is the first exposure many of the children have to whole grain breads and cereals so we hope that it will be part of a life-long healthy habit.” San Diego, CA

“We take healthy food choices very seriously and students are now adapted to our offerings. We serve no white breads, only whole wheat or all whole grain.” South Orange / Maplewood, NJ

Tell us if your school needs posters, stickers, or Just Ask for Whole Grains buttons to get kids excited about whole grains! (Cynthia – October 8, 2008)